A hug from diver Tom Daley and congratulations from star cyclist Laura Kenny were given to Unsung Hero award winner Denise Larrad at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, which were televised live from Liverpool’s Echo Arena.

With the backing of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland-supported volunteer Denise from Hinckley runs a raft of walking, running and fitness classes for youngsters, families, adults and older people across the borough.

The 55-year-old working mum-of-two, who was named winner of an East Midlands unsung hero award earlier in December, was chosen from 15 finalists to be presented with the national trophy in front of a star-studded audience, which included Hinckley Invictus Games athlete Steve Cokayne, on Sunday December 17.

Clearly emotional, she took a microphone from presenter Clare Balding to give a personal and positive speech, urging people to get up and get active for the sake of their health.

Denise Larrad receives her Unsung Hero award from Laura Kenny during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017 at the Liverpool Echo Arena (Image: David Davies/PA Wire)

She said: “Inactivity can be more detrimental to your health than smoking.

“There are thousands of people up and down the country who are doing a spectrum of sports you can get involved with - so find out who they are.”

Denise was nominated for the award by borough council health and recreation manager Graeme Chilvers who said: “I couldn’t be more happy and proud for her.”

She has also raised thousands of pounds for charities running half marathons and marathons for good causes, which led to her being selected to carry the Olympic torch ahead of the London games in 2012 - which she took to all 45 schools in the borough to allow hundreds of schoolchildren to see and hold it for themselves.

“She encourages participants at the start of their fitness journey and carries on supporting them as a friend and mentor, even when they are running marathons.

Denise Larrad receives her Unsung Hero award from Laura Kenny during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017 at the Liverpool Echo Arena (Image: David Davies/PA Wire)

“She inspires others to follow in her footsteps and is a genuine role model who changes lives in a very real sense.

“We are all so proud of her.”

Denise follows a long line of borough volunteers who have been nominated for the prestigious award represents the third national title for the borough.

In 2014 disability swimming coach Jill Stidever from Markfield lifted the trophy and in 2012 Jim and Sue Houghton of Sport in Desford shared the honour.

Hinckley volunteer fitness mentor Denise Larrad, who was named BBC East Midlands Unsung Hero of the year in December 2017, was named the BBCs national Unsung Hero at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards televised live on Sunday December 17 2017.